The Lexington Police Department is introducing a new technology to help citizens anonymously submit crime information. It’s called Text-a-Tip and it carries the support of many area families who have lost loved ones to violence.
Tonya Lindsey, a member of Sisters and Supporters Working Against Gun Violence, says many people remain fearful of coming forward with information, “People don’t understand the importance of telling. I mean people are losing their loved ones every day and people know who’s doing it and no one wants to tell."
Anyone with information about a suspect or incident can send a text message to a specially-designated number. Lexington Bluegrass Crime Stoppers Coordinator Mark Thomas says the information goes through a third party to preserve anonymity.
Chief Mark Barnard says the use of a third-party communicator link is critical to the process. “For us, the number one issue is trust, enabling people to give us that information. Once you violate the trust, the word’s out pretty quick and they won’t use it anymore,” Barnard noted.
Barnard believes this texting tool will help address the “no snitch” culture in what can be fearful communities.
Anyone with information about a suspect or incident can text LEXPD in the message and send it to CRIMES (274637). Texts that lead to an arrest could mean a reward of up to one thousand dollars.
